IQSM vs VXUS
NYLI Candriam US Mid Cap Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IQSM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $330M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.04% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 243 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.51% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.09% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.70% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | INDEXIQ ETF TRUST | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IQSM vs VXUS Performance
NYLI Candriam US Mid Cap Equity ETF (IQSM) is a ETF from INDEXIQ ETF TRUST and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IQSM returned +27.09% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, IQSM is up 16.51% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, IQSM compounded at +13.70% per year against +19.53% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, IQSM has the edge at +13.99% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IQSM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -23.7% for IQSM and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IQSM charges 0.15% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $5 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IQSM currently yields 1.04% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IQSM and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 8098 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IQSM or VXUS?
IQSM has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IQSM or VXUS?
Over the past year IQSM returned +27.09% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), IQSM annualized +13.99% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IQSM or VXUS?
IQSM has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IQSM -23.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IQSM and VXUS?
IQSM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IQSM and VXUS?
IQSM and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8098 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IQSM or VXUS?
IQSM yields 1.04% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.